Ukraine War: Russia Suffers Heavy Losses – Latest Updates

Ukrainian forces report destroying 1,070 Russian soldiers in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of Russian military losses since the full-scale invasion began on February 24, 2022, to 435,680, according to the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The Ukrainian military claims Russia has now lost 6,834 tanks, 11,988 armored personnel carriers, 9,693 artillery systems, and 984 multiple launch rocket systems. Further reported losses include 606 air defense systems, 347 aircraft, 325 helicopters, 6,798 unmanned aerial vehicles, 2,042 cruise missiles, 23 ships and submarines, 9,998 vehicles and fuel tanks, and 768 units of specialized equipment.

These figures, while provided by Ukraine, are consistently updated and represent a significant cumulative toll as the conflict enters its third year. The Ukrainian General Staff notes that the numbers are being clarified due to ongoing combat operations, suggesting the actual figures may be higher.

The Russian invasion, initiated on February 24, 2022, following a build-up of forces near Ukraine’s borders with Russia, Belarus, and Crimea – which Russia annexed in 2014 – began with a direct military incursion into the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic (DPR) and Luhansk People’s Republic (LPR), according to reports from the time. Russia subsequently recognized the independence of these regions within the entirety of the Donetsk and Luhansk oblasts.

Initial reports on February 24, 2022, indicated 137 Ukrainians were killed and 316 wounded, including both military personnel and civilians, as stated by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. At that time, approximately 478,000 euros had been donated by Latvian citizens to support Ukraine via the ziedot.lv platform.

International reaction to the invasion was swift, with French President Emmanuel Macron speaking with Vladimir Putin to demand an immediate cessation of hostilities, warning of significant sanctions. The Kremlin, in turn, stated that Putin had provided a “comprehensive explanation” for the decision to launch the military operation. The European Security and Cooperation Organization (OSCE) voiced strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

As of February 24, 2022, Russia had received support from Belarus, and military assistance from Iran and China, while Ukraine was backed by a coalition of nations including NATO members and Australia, providing military aid. The involvement of North Korea has also been reported.